The Hindu (Thiruvananthapuram)
KSWTD forays into tourist boat operations in Kochi
Private boat operators launch a marketing blitz, with slashed rates, along the three-km-long Marine Drive waterfront after suŒering a substantial dent in their revenue after the department introduced a double-decker solar tourist boat recently
The foray of the Kerala State Water Transport department (KSWTD) into backwater cruise operations in Kochi this month by introducing a double-decker solar tourist boat signals a shift in the sector that has hitherto been dominated by private players operating tours from Marine Drive.
Private boat operators have been feeling the pinch after the Kochi Water Metro Ltd. (KWML) introduced electric hybrid Water Metro ferries a year ago, in which one can travel for as low as ₹20, and even ₹10 on taking travel passes. A good share of its passengers are tourists. Yet another PSU, the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), already operates a eet comprising half a dozen tourist boats, including Egyptian-themed cruise vessel Nefertiti.
Solar electric ferry
The KSWTD had launched Indra, India’s largest solar electric ferry, in the Kochi backwaters earlier this month. “The demand for the two-hour-long package tours that we operate at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. is picking up. The ₹300 fare for adults and ₹150 for children aged ve to 11 years is inclusive of snacks. The booking contact number is 94000 50350 (and 351). Eorts are under way to introduce online booking for our eet of tourist vessels in Ernakulam and nearby districts,” ocial sources said.
The KSWTD is also readying to roll out Vega 120, its fast ferry, as a tourist vessel. “The vessel, with 40 seats in its air-conditioned cabin and 80 seats in its non-AC space, did trial runs a week ago after it was dry-docked. It will begin operations in May, soon after recommendations of
Indian Registry of
Shipping (IRS) ocials are made in the vessel,” the sources added.
Faced with a substantial dent in revenue, private boat operators have stepped up their marketing eorts along the three-km-long Marine Drive waterfront – where all these players have berthed their vessels. Many have also slashed their rates, it is learnt.
Secretary of the Marine Drive Tourist Boats’ Association Saju T.B, says, “The extension of their service to Fort Kochi since April 21 might further aect boat operators. However, we are hopeful of more tourists opting for backwater cruises.”